Douro Valley - A Scenic Ride Into Wine Country

Taking the train to Pinhão and the Vintage House Hotel

After almost 3 weeks of exploring Porto, we decided it was time to trade the city streets for vineyards, mountains, and the Douro River. So we boarded the train for Pinhão, and almost immediately, the journey itself became the main event.

The further we traveled, the more the scenery changed. The city gave way to rolling hills, little villages, and increasingly dramatic landscapes, with the Douro River eventually appearing alongside the tracks. The railway follows the river through the valley, and the views just kept getting better. Every time we thought we had seen the most beautiful stretch, the train rounded another bend and proved us wrong.

By the time we arrived in Pinhão, we were already completely charmed by the Douro Valley. And then we checked into the the Vintage House Hotel, which felt like the perfect place to spend a few days soaking it all in.

The hotel itself is beautiful, and then we saw our room…

We’re in the Touriga Francesa Suite, named after one of the grape varieties used in the Douro Valley's famous port wines, and it is ridiculously fabulous. The room is elegant without feeling stuffy, with beautiful details and SO MUCH SPACE! We are in heaven!

The view from our windows is of the Quinta das Carvalhas Winery, where we will be headed shortly for a private tasting!

Saúde!